Stamps Celebrate First Lord Of The Rings Film

New Zealand Post will
release its world exclusive stamp issue The Fellowship of
The Ring on 4 December, celebrating the first movie in The
Lord of The Rings trilogy.

According to New Zealand Post
Design and Marketing Manager Linda Morgan, the six stamps
and associated products depict characters and scenes from
the movie and is the only stamp issue officially approved by
director Peter Jackson.

"The stamps and other products
capture beautifully presented moments from the film, which
will appeal to stamp collectors and film enthusiasts alike,"
Linda Morgan said.

Wizards Gandalf the Grey and Saruman
the White appear on the 40c stamp and the 80c stamp shows
the elf Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood. Hobbits Frodo
Baggins and Sam Gangee feature on the 90c stamp and the
Guardian of Rivendell is depicted on the $1.30 stamp.
Mysterious stranger Strider adorns the $1.50 stamp and
Boromir of Gondor is calling for help to defend the hobbits
on the $2.00 stamp.

From 4-11 December all mail going
through Auckland, South Auckland, Wellington and
Christchurch mail centres will be machine postmarked with a
message from Middle-earth to get the full New Zealand Post
'Lord of the Rings' experience.

Customers can also have
their mail hand postmarked with a special Lord of the Rings
message by sending their stamped, self-addressed envelopes,
enclosed in an outer envelope to 'New Zealand Home of
Middle-earth, PO Box 39199, Wellington'.

"New Zealand is
counting down the days until the movie is released on 19
December. We're sure that our stamp issue and other
initiatives will add to the excitement and anticipation
leading up to the premiere," Linda Morgan said.

The stamps
and collectable products were designed by Sacha Lees, Weta
Workshop, Wellington and printed by Southern Colour Print,
Dunedin.

Products are available at all New Zealand Post
retail outlets, including Books & More or from the New
Zealand Post stamps web site www.stamps.co.nz

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